Davao City – Guided by deep commitment to serve, the National Maritime Polytechnic (NMP) brought its programs and services to Mindanao as it commences its 10-day training on IMO Model Course 3.12 (Assessment, Examination, and Certification of Seafarers) on 26 April 2021 at the Davao Merchant Marine Academy College of Southern Philippines (DCSP), at Tigatto Road, Buhangin, Davao City.
As traditionally practiced, an Opening Program was conducted wherein Mr. Vicente C. Virtudazo, Chairman of the DCSP Board of Trustees, expressed his appreciation to the NMP for making the collaboration possible.
“We are very happy that we were given this opportunity by NMP to partner with them in the conduct of IMO MC 3.12. This course is very rare here in Davao compared in other areas of the country. I am glad that you took this opportunity to enroll because this course is a requirement by CHED and in MARINA for all assessors” he declared.
In her inspirational message, NMP Deputy Executive Director Mayla N. Macadawan posed a challenge to all the participants.
“As future assessors, we should keep pace with the fast-changing technology specially that the maritime education and training is very unique. We should be aware of what is happening around the world. The emergence of maritime automation and surface ships (MASS) are expected to open a new era and usher to a paradigm shift in the operation and task of our existing ships. In fact, this is now happening in the inland waters of Denmark” she disclosed.
She also added, “The International Maritime Organization (IMO) through its Maritime Safety Committee (MSC) came up with the “scoping exercise” which looks into the possibility of delivering automation toward commercially operated ships.”
Recognizing the fact that aside from upgrading the qualifications of the country’s pool of seafarers, advancing the capabilities of maritime faculty is equally critical, DED Macadawan in her parting message encouraged the participants to be adaptable to change.
“You should be ready to embrace the rapid technological breakthroughs and start innovating and advancing your capabilities. This is to ensure that Filipino seafarers obtain the competences necessary in their employability onboard vessels through effective maritime instructions in accordance with international standards” she shared.
The program was followed by a class orientation and introduction of NMP guest lecturers conducted by Ms. Evelyn T. Futol, OIC, NMP Manila Office.
The training was attended by twelve (12) participants and is scheduled to end on 05 May 2021.
Succeeding schedules for the conduct of Professional Development Courses (PDC) through the partnership of both parties will be made available at the NMP official facebook page (www.facebook.com/nmptrainingcenter) where all related information on NMP trainings are also available.